Activin A receptor type 1C (ACVR1C) (ACVR1C)

Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), encoded by the ACVR1C gene, is a type I transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptor belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily (UniProt: Q8NER5). It functions as a signaling transducer for ligands such as Activin B, Nodal, and GDF3, which trigger the phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins to regulate gene expression (PubMed: 15531776). ALK7 is primarily expressed in adipose tissue, the cerebellum, and pancreatic beta cells, where it plays a pivotal role in regulating adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and insulin secretion (PubMed: 24906111). In the context of metabolic disease, ALK7 signaling is linked to the development of obesity and insulin resistance, making it a target for therapeutic intervention (PubMed: 22306611). Specifically, the ALK7 mRNA is targeted by antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) like IONIS-ALK7-LRx (ION-455) to reduce receptor expression and improve metabolic profiles in patients with obesity or NASH (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04141579). Additionally, ALK7 has been implicated in various cancers, where it may act as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the specific cellular environment and ligand availability (PubMed: 28465355).

Other names

ALK7Activin receptor-like kinase 7ACVRLK7Activin receptor type IC

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated degradation of mRNA and small molecule inhibition of kinase activity.